Stop being naive. Thinking everyone means well is weakness. People exploit blind trust because it's easy. They'll dress manipulation as help, pressure as advice, and control as care. If you don't question motives, you're complicit in your own exploitation. Skepticism isn't cynicism, it's survival.
Unpopular Truth:
Workplace bullying is a inside conflict.
It's not anything you've done or could of done differently to avoid this.
You need to understand it's not your fault.
Cut off manipulators fast. The longer you tolerate hidden agendas, the deeper they root. Delay is weakness. If you sense exploitation, act immediately. Distance is protection, confrontation is clarity.